Celtics Shopping Rondo

Rumors fly again as trade deadline nears.

Reports are again swirling that the Boston Celtics have placed star point guard Rajon Rondo on the trading block.

Rondo, who was a reserve for the All-Star team last week, is averaging 14 points and nearly 10 assists per game. At 26, the former Kentucky star is a natural leader on the floor, but has also been known to be a distraction in the locker room.

According to The Sporting News, “sources told ESPN's Chris Broussard that the team is actively pitching Rondo to teams because they believe they are no longer title contenders and that Rondo's play doesn't justify the problems he creates for coach Doc Rivers.

Regardless of any maturity issues, Rondo has proven himself to be one of the top point guards in the league, and his lower than average contract makes acquiring him more attractive to organization’s pocket books as well.

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching on March 15. Golden State is the team most rumored to have had interest, considering a deal that would send Stephen Curry to Boston in exchange for Rondo.

Other teams looking to make a push for a last minute trade are Orlando and the Los Angeles Lakers. Don’t be surprised if either team are involved in a Rondo deal.

On the other hand, Rondo is Boston’s best player and if they’re looking to rebuild they might be better off shipping aging former all-stars Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Don’t be shocked if it’s one of the latter that packs their bags, leaving Rondo in New England.

In other words, in this shortened, unpredictable NBA season, anything can happen.